Jennifer here, and let me just say this upfront: Zinfandel Grille is one of those places that consistently gets it right. â¨
In 2025 alone, we celebrated three birthdays here, and every single visit reminded me why this restaurant holds such a special place in my heart. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels refined, calm, and intentionalâperfect for celebrations that deserve a little elegance without feeling stuffy.
The vibe here is chefâs kiss. The restaurant is always swift with seating, which I deeply appreciateâespecially when youâre hosting a group. During the summer months, the outdoor patio seating is absolutely lovely. It sits right next to Ettoreâs, and on weekends you can enjoy the bonus of live music drifting through the air đśâromantic, relaxing, and very Sacramento.
Inside, the wood-fire stove adds warmth and character, giving the space an upscale yet welcoming feel. Itâs elegant, yesâbut also comfortable and inviting. When Stan and I go, we often end up with the same server, who is always so pleasant and somehow remembers us every time. That kind of service matters. đ
âď¸ Elegant, business-friendly atmosphere
âď¸ Beautiful layout with thoughtfully designed dining spaces
âď¸ Spotlessly cleanâevery single time
âď¸ Exceptional service
I have to give a special shout-out to the table busser (I wish I knew his name!). That man is about his job. My water glass is never empty, and the table is cleared so seamlessly that it never interrupts the dining experience. That level of attentiveness elevates everything. đ
Because of its corner-lot location, parking can be a bit awkward. You can park behind the restaurant, but the spaces are tightâespecially uncomfortable if you drive a larger vehicle. There is additional parking next to Ettoreâs, with a short and easy walk past the restaurant into Zinfandel Grille, which I usually prefer.
Iâve eaten my way through a plethora of dishes here, so letâs get into it đ
Confession: I am not a risotto person. To me, risotto is like the strange cousin between pasta, rice, and oatmealâconfusing and texturally questionable. đ While this dish was beautifully seasoned and executed well, I just couldnât get past the texture.
That saidâthe scallops were flawless. Perfectly cooked, beautifully seasoned, and balanced right on that fine line between under and overdone. If you love scallops like I do, youâll appreciate how well they handle them here.
Absolutely love their calamari. Itâs paired with citrus and a delicate sauce that brightens the dish perfectly. The batter is light, crisp, and seasoned just rightânever greasy, always satisfying. đŤ
This one deserves applause. I order my steak well done (I know, I knowânot everyoneâs preference đ), and it was still incredibly tender and high-quality. No shrinking, no toughness. The flavor absolutely explodedâslightly sweet, deeply savory, and rich from the brown butter.
Paired with creamy mashed potatoes, perfectly salted, buttery, and finished with greensâit was comfort food elevated to fine dining status. I loved every bite. đ¤
This isnât a toddler-friendly spotâand honestly, thatâs part of its charm. Iâd recommend Zinfandel Grille for:
⨠Adult birthday celebrations
⨠Business dinners
⨠Date nights
⨠Family events with an adult crowd
They offer several gorgeous dining areas and even showcase a wood-fire pizza grill near the front, which adds another layer of charm to the experience.
I absolutely adore this restaurant. Itâs elegant without being pretentious, attentive without being intrusive, and consistently delivers on both service and quality. Zinfandel Grille is truly a little Sacramento treasure, and one Iâll keep returning to again and again. đˇâ¨
If youâre looking for a place that feels special every timeâyouâve found it.